UF Psychiatry PCIT Team holds reception to honor Dr. Eyberg

The UF Psychiatry Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Team had a reception to honor Sheila Eyberg, PhD, ABPN and UF Distinguished Professor Emeritus, who is the creator and developer of PCIT.

PCIT uses direct coaching of the parent to positively influence the parent’s interactions with his or her child, and, as a result, positively influence the child’s behaviors. The program is conducted in two stages. The first stage focuses on establishing a warmer, more loving relationship between the parent and child. Parents are taught basic skills in recognizing their children’s positive qualities, and coached in play time sessions to apply positive attention while ignoring negative behaviors.

During the second stage of the program, parents are taught skills in how to direct their children, and are coached in how to provide safe and effective discipline in response to non-compliance. PCIT provides, on average, once weekly contact in the client’s home and in the community.

The UF Psychiatry PCIT Team gave tours of their facilities, discussed current activities and future plans, and enjoyed conversations.